polyhistor
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of polyhistor
First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin polyhistor, from Greek polyístōr “very learned.” See poly-, history
Explanation
A polyhistor is a person whose knowledge spans a vast range of subjects. You probably know someone who seems to know everything about just about everything: You might call that person a polyhistor. The word polyhistor comes from the Greek poly, meaning "many," and histōr, meaning "learned" or "knowing." Historically, the polyhistors were scholars of the 16th and 17th centuries who attempted to catalog all known human knowledge. A polyhistor is very similar to a polymath, a person skilled in many different practical areas (e.g., Leonardo da Vinci, skilled as an artist, scientist, architect, engineer, etc.). But a polyhistor is more associated with vast, encyclopedic knowledge and learning.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the 11th century the polyhistor Michael Psellus also wrote polemics against the Euchites, among whom the Syrian Gnosis was reviving.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 5 "Greek Law" to "Ground-Squirrel" by Various
Sir William Hamilton was a vast polyhistor long before he could be called a philosopher, or even thought himself one.
From Continental Monthly , Vol. 5, No. 6, June, 1864 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various
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